ANZAC House
Located at 4–6 Collins Street, ANZAC House is a restrained Renaissance Revival style building which subtly complements the buildings at the eastern end of Collins Street. As such, Anzac House is important for the streetscape relationship with surrounding buildings including Portland House and Alcaston House. Designed by architects Oakley and Parkes, the structure was completed in 1938, for the Victorian Branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia (later known as the RSL) Its prominent siting reflects the RSL’s ongoing social welfare role and important contribution to Australian cultural life. The large collection of photographs, historical records and memorabilia held at the site, and the RSL’s continuing occupation of the building, contribute to this significance. As a monument itself, ANZAC House represents the important role played by the RSL in the 1920s and 1930s in its contribution to the physical landscape of memorialisation in the wake of the Great War, for example through the erection of the Shrine of Remembrance (1934), and the numerous RSL memorial halls and war memorials erected in the State’s cities and country towns.
ANZAC House is of architectural significance as a finely detailed example of the 20th century Georgian revival. Oakley and Parkes were prominent proponents of the “moderne style” in Melbourne, but was keen to ensure that their building was in harmony with the Collins Street streetscape. The interiors, particularly the entrance vestibule and stairwell, which feature highly polished stone, metal and glass surfaces, are more recognisably modern than the revivalist façade. The restrained and dignified building, together with its prestigious address, reflects the prominent place occupied by the RSL in Australian society. It is for this reason Serendipity Photography are happy to recommend the house as an excellent location on the day. Add some sophisticated charm to your already magnificent day, by dropping by ANZAC house on the way to your reception venue.
The building consists of four storeys, a basement and caretaker’s residence on the roof. A notable feature of the front elevation is a carved symbolic sculpture by Orlando Dutton, representing a man holding high the Lamp of Honour with his heel crushing the serpent of Evil. The grand tree in the front courtyard to the house sets off the elegant tones of the building. As light dapples romantically through the leafy foliage, and photos are enhanced by the subtle reflections caught in the grand windows, it’s not hard to see how this part of Collins Street earned its nickname: ‘The Paris End’.
Whilst the house doesn’t currently cater to wedding receptions, it is still a wonderful location for wedding photography. At Serendipity we suggest ANZAC house as an alternative location, perfect for those couples whose ceremonies take place at one of the nearby churches (there are quite a selection!) Or on your way to reception locations such as Parliament House, the Fitzroy Gardens or Royal Arcade.